Good morning, Fredericksburg.

Retired Marine Capt. Jason Haag, founder of Spotsylvania-based Leashes of Valor, said 9/11 has shaped his life and inspired his work helping post-9/11 veterans get service dogs—he credits his own dog Axel for saving his life; his nonprofit matches trained dogs with veterans at no cost to aid their recovery.

Stafford Regional Airport is set to host the Go for Bo race this Saturday evening — featuring a certified 5K, a Tot Dash, and a 1-Mile Fun Run.

Hosted by Ebenezer Church, the event supports Helping Children Worldwide, a nonprofit providing education, healthcare, and nutrition programs in Bo, Sierra Leone.

Fredericksburg business news highlights Vakos Companies renovating 520 William St into Park Place on William—set for completion in 2026 with space for bank branches and offices—while a new Thai restaurant opens in Eagle Village and SweetFrog frozen-yogurt store will close Sunday.

Fredericksburg leaders approved a major project on Fall Hill Avenue—set to bring over 600 new homes and a new grocery store to our community.

Construction will begin once final planning is complete.

Jennifer Boyd resigned from the Fredericksburg City Public Schools Board on Monday after buying a home outside the city, which made her ineligible to serve as the Ward 3 representative she held since 2016.

The board will accept applications until 5 p.m. on Sept. 15, hold a public meeting on Sept. 22, and finalize an interim appointment on Oct. 6—her leadership was widely praised by board colleagues.

Stafford County School Board named two new elementary schools and a new high school after its recent meeting.

Falls Run Elementary—located at 580 Stafford Plaza Drive in Fredericksburg with the Foxhounds as its mascot—and Crow’s Nest Elementary—set in the Aquia Election District with the Blue Jays as its mascot—will open in August while Hartwood High School will open in the fall to ease overcrowding.

UMW alum Melissa McTernan, now a research statistician at Boston College, will speak today at 4 p.m. in the Hurley Convergence Center Digital Auditorium about statistics and data literacy in research + her talk will show how she overcame math challenges to build a successful career.

Susanna Finn and Kenneth Gantt submitted a request to the Office of Personnel Management to designate Fredericksburg as a locality so they can run in November’s city council election without jeopardizing their federal jobs—They made the move following questions raised by a 1930s-era federal law interpretation.

The Fredericksburg School Board is fast-tracking the appointment of a new board member who will serve a three-month term until year's end—an effort to ensure steady oversight of school policies.

Governor Youngkin ordered that U.S. and Virginia flags be flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings today to honor victims and heroes of the Sept 11 terrorist attacks—flags will remain at half-staff until sunset.

At a Tuesday meeting, Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors voted to have staff study the possibility of taking over stormwater management for Virginia Heritage at Lee’s Parke after residents raised concerns about misleading information and outdated access road images.

Supervisor Yakabouski made the motion as residents said the county presentation appeared disingenuous plus a prior report on road conditions had led to property damage.

Go for Bo! 2025

6-8:30 p.m. — Stafford Regional Airport — Registration fee required — Experience a beautiful sunset run on a fast, flat course in the community.

Cannonball Century Cycling Event

7 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Massaponax High School — $69 registration until July 15th — Experience a challenging 100-mile biking adventure through scenic routes.

Patawomeck Fall Festival

11 AM – 4 PM — Patawomeck Museum & Cultural Center — Free entry — Celebrate the autumn season with traditional crafts, delicious treats, and DJ music.

Soul Line Dancing with Regina

7-10 p.m. — Jay's Downtown Sports Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant night of Soul Line Dancing with Regina every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.

5K Friends of the Poor Walk

10 AM — John Lee Pratt Park — $50 — Bring your friends and family to walk for a good cause while supporting the Society of St. Vincent De Paul.

Morton's Wheels for Warriors Car, Truck, & Bike Show

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Morton's Power Equipment — All proceeds benefit Leashes Of Valor — Celebrate a day of community and vehicles for a noble cause.

Water Circus Gold - Aquatic Spectacular

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Fredericksburg Fairgrounds — Ticket prices vary — Experience a breathtaking show with stunning water performances and talented artists from around the globe.

2025 Power of Pink Breast Cancer Walk

8:30-10:30 a.m. — John F. Fick III Conference Center — Proceeds benefit local health initiatives — Support breast cancer awareness and community health through a spirited walk.

Soul Line Dancing with Regina

7-10 p.m. — Jay's Downtown Sports Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of lively soul line dancing in a vibrant community setting.

Harmonic Flow Music & Arts Festival

1-4 p.m. — Strangeways Brewing Fredericksburg — Free entry — Celebrate the arts while meeting rescue dogs looking for their forever homes.